Using ‘Lockdown’ to his advantage, Year 10 student, Jonah Marks, trained daily to enable him to compete in several qualifying events for European and World multisport events, post ‘Lockdown’. He is the youngest in his age category (16-20), but has been able to hold his own against competitors much larger and stronger than himself. Jonah first started taking part in triathlons at the age of eight, inspired by his grandmother who did her first triathlon at the age of 69!

He is now back to training with Shaftsbury Barnet Harriers, one of the top athletics clubs in the country, which helped him qualify for both the World and European Sprint Duathlon Championships in 2021 and 2022. Unfortunately, British Triathlon has been unable to send a team to the European Championships this year due to Covid restrictions, but it is looking hopeful that Jonah will be able to represent his country at the rearranged World Duathlon Championships in Spain this November.

In addition, combining his running talent with the swimming he does, as part of Barnet Copthall Swimming Club, he has qualified for the European and World Sprint Triathlon Championships in 2021 and 2022. The European Championships are scheduled to be in Spain this September, which will hopefully be his first outing wearing his GB trisuit.

Hopefully international travel will be easier next year, when Jonah has the opportunity to race at the World Duathlon Championships in Townsville, Australia, and the World Triathlon Championships in Montreal, Canada.

We look forward to following Jonah’s progress and wish him the best of luck!